Westlife took the Best UK & Ireland act, the latest triumph of their phenomenally successful year.

Two weeks ago they celebrated their seventh number one in a row in the UK singles charts, and their Coast To Coast album trounced the Spice Girls when it was released last week.

Although UK acts had a quiet night at the awards, two British men shared Madonna's spotlight.

Madonna paid tribute to Kylie Minogue with her T-shirt

Comedian Sacha Baron Cohen, in his Ali G guise, introduced her as "Maradona". He appeared in her video for Music earlier this year.

Meanwhile her partner, film director Guy Ritchie, presented the best video prize to Moby - for Natural Blues.

He told the audience: "I would like to 'big it up' for the missus for winning so many awards and for keeping Rocco in diapers."

The audience went wild whenever Madonna appeared on stage, and she thanked her fans for their support.

The missus: Madonna thanked her fans and family on stage

But she added: "Most of all, I would like to thank my gorgeous family because they are the most important thing in the world to me."

She also thanked all the Europeans she had worked with, including Music's Swedish director Jonas Aackerlund: "It's very fitting that I should be here at the European MTV awards because I always end up working with Europeans."

Williams' award for Rock DJ was the last of the night, but he told the audience: "I am not going to say anything bad about people's choices on this one, but I think it's a terrible song and a silly song."

He also referred to his roots in Stoke-on-Trent, saying: "When I was growing up I dreamt of being a pop star and I would like to thank MTV for my three houses, my five cars and my supermodel girlfriend."

It's a terrible song and a silly song

Robbie Williams on Rock DJ

There were also live performances from the Spice Girls - who were clad in tight leather outfits - and U2.

The show was hosted by Fugees founder Wyclef Jean, who opened the show with a rap montage set to Abba's Dancing Queen.

Backstreet Boy Nick Carter had other things on his mind when he picked up their best group prize, as he spoke out against a recount in the US presidential election. The group are based in Florida, where the election's outcome hangs in the balance.

Another political note was struck with the Free Your Mind award, which is given by MTV to a highlight a social cause.

Jennifer Lopez collects her Best R 'n' B award

It was won by Serbian opposition movement Otpor, in recogition of its role in helping to drive Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic out of office.